Economic Opportunity Board of Clark County (Nev.): memos, agendas, and meeting minutes

MINUTES "OPERATION OPPORTUNITIES — CLARK COUNTY" (A Nonprofit Organization Incorporated under the Laws of Nevada)
Thunderbird Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada
8:00 A.M.
October 21, 1964
PRESENT: Mr. Harvey Dondero, Assistant Superintendent, Clark County School District;
Mrs. Elaine Walbroek, Executive Director, Nevada Tuberculosis and Health Association;
Mr. Robert Bauer, Director of Research and Finance, Nevada State Welfare Division;
Mr. Lee Walker, Attorney; Legislative Assistant, Senator Cannon;
Dr. Clare Woodbury, Private Physician, Chairman of the State
Board of Health, County School Board Member;
Mr. Donal O’Callaghan, Director, Nevada State Department of Health and Welfare;
Mr. Robert Mullen, Chief of Probation, Clark County Probation Department;
Mrs. Stella Fleming, Director, Clark County Relief Administration;
Dr. Martin Levine, Supervisor, Department of Mental Health Planning, State Department of Health;
Mr. William Morris, Chairman, Nevada Southern Foundation, Attorney;
Dr. Otto Ravenholt, Director, Clark County Health Department;
Mr. Ernest 0. Skagen, District Director, Nevada State Welfare Division;
Mr. Quenten Emery, State Welfare Administrator, Nevada State Welfare Division;
Mrs. Lubertha Johnson, Project Supervisor, "Operation Independence";
Mr. James McQuire, (Guest), Associate Regional Family Services Representative;
The meeting was opened by the Chairman, Mr. Harvey Dondero, who indicated the first order of business would be consideration of the Board budget and its submission to the Office of Economic Opportunity for approval.
STAFF: Mrs. Elaine Walbroek discussed the responsibilities of the staff and pointed out the importance of securing qualified people capable of fulfilling the purposes of the Board and the intent of the Economic Opportunity Act. The purpose of Title II Boards is to provide coordination of EOA monies and through their use help maximize their effectiveness in relationship to existing monies
available to health, welfare, education, and employment agencies. The Executive Director would stimulate agency interest and participation in planning and in relating their programs to specific target areas. There was a great need for interpretation of the EGA and in stimulating the community to become interested in the Act and its implications to its own problems. The Program-Evaluation Coordinator, as the second professional, would be responsible for helping to screen and summarize projects, distribute them to the Board for their appraisal, to help in evaluation and to do continuing evaluation of the projects after they were funded there as they progressed. These two persons would additionally serve liaison between agencies, their programs, the Board, and the community, effecting a synthesis of programs and their monies for their maximum effectiveness.
BUDGET: The Acting Chairman presented the budget which had originated from the committee composed of Lee Walker, Elaine Walbroek, and Dr. Charles West, for discussion. The line items were considered one by one. Amendments to the budget included: increase in travel to Washington; separate postage account; increase for duplicating equipment; addition of a photocopying machine; increase in utilities. Moved by Mr. O'Callaghan and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the budget was unanimously approved.
BOARD PRINCIPLES: The principles and purposes of the Board were discussed in detail. Moved by Mr. Bauer and seconded by Mrs. Fleming, the principles were adopted unanimously by the Board.
TARGET AREA: The Board discussed areas of program concentration, recognizing that their responsibilities were county-wide; however, on the basis of investigations to date as to the greatest concentration of poverty, unemployment, basic health, welfare, and social needs, it was agreed that initial priority be given to the Westside of Las Vegas and contiguous areas where 40 per cent of the entire State's Aid-to-Dependent Children load was vested.
BOARD MEMBERS: There are 28 members on the Opportunities Board; however, the By-Laws permitted additions to 40 members. The Chairman appointed a committee to explore additional Board appointments for its further strengthening. Dr. Clare Woodbury, Mrs. Stella Fleming, and Mrs. Elaine Walbroek were appointed to the Committee.
BY-LAWS COMMITTEE: The Chairman appointed two attorneys, Lee Walker and William Morris, to develop the By-Laws for submission to the Board.
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CHAIRMAN ELECTED: The election of a permanent chairman was next considered. It was moved by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Dr. Levine that Harvey Dondero be nominated Chairman. It was moved by Mr. Bauer and seconded by Mr. O'Callaghan that nominations be closed. It was unanimously approved.
CONCLUSION: Mr. Morris suggested that the Acting Secretary, Elaine Walbroek, circularize the County Commissioners, the Governor, and the Congressional delegation (Senators Alan Bible, Howard Cannon, and Congressman Walter Baring) with the minutes of the meeting, the budget, and the other actions taken by the Opportunities Board.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine Walbroek
Acting Secretary
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MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
RE:
Board Members "Operation Opportunities Board - Clark County"
Harvey Dondero, Chairman
ORIENTATION BOARD MEETING, THUNDERBIRD HOTEL SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1964, 8:00 A.M.
October 5, 1964
The Clark County Board of Commissioners, by their action taken September 21, 1964, recognized and designated "Operation Opportunities Board - Clark County" as sole and exclusive agency fob Clark CoUnty to act as a County-wide Planning Board, Screening Board, and Fiscal Agent in connection with the Economic Opportunities Act of 1964.
A breakfast meeting will be held Saturday, October 10, at 8:00 A.M. in a suite at the Thunderbird Hotel for orientation and an outline of the Board's responsibilities.
AGENDA
A. Function of an Opportunities Board and its relatedness to the Economic Opportunities Act of 1964
Mr. Lloyd Street, Consultant Director of Research
Los Angeles Welfare Planning Board
B.
"Opportunities Board - Clark County"
1.
Delineation of Board's area of interest and concern.
2.
Discussion of steps for further qualifying under provisions of Title II of the EOA and application procedure for planning grant.
3.
Discussion of staff and budget requirements — and general Board policies.
Chairman and Consultants
memorandum
TO: Board Members
"Operation Opportunities - Clark County"
FROM: Elaine Walbroek Acting Secretary
RE: Meeting of the Board — 8:00 A.M., October 21, 1964
October 14, 1964
Enclosed is a copy of the Governor of Nevada's endorsement of "Operation Opportunities - Clark County" for your record. You already have in your file the resolution of September 21 covering the endorsement of the Commissioners of Clark County.
A meeting is called for 8:00 at the Thunderbird Hotel. This will roll breakfast.
A.M., Wednesday, October 21, be ,a coffee, juice, and sweet
Business of the
meeting will be the following:
Election of Appointment
a permanent chairman, of a By-Laws Committee.
Consideration of the application to the
Office of Economic Opportunity for Board planning money.
Under this last item will be the consideration of the
Board budget, staffing needs, anticipated programs for
A policy should be established by the Board as to the following:
1. How the definition of the problems of Clark County will be made — by staff or by committee?
^****-2. What are our target areas? _ 'i) QzX/xAi
3. What will our policy be in accepting grant applications, i.e. will preference be given to developing new programs or to expanding existing programs.
It is sincerely hoped you can be present.
EW:sl
MINUTES "OPERATION OPPORTUNITIES — CLARK COUNTY" (A Nonprofit Organization Incorporated under the Laws of Nevada)
Thunderbird Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada
8:00 A.M.
October 21, 1964
PRESENT: Mr. Harvey Dondero, Assistant Superintendent, Clark County School District;
Mrs. Elaine Walbroek, Executive Director, Nevada Tuberculosis and Health Association;
Mr. Robert Bauer, Director of Research and Finance, Nevada State Welfare Division;
Mr. Lee Walker, Attorney; Legislative Assistant, Senator Cannon;
Dr. Clare Woodbury, Private Physician, Chairman of the State
Board of Health, County School Board Member;
Mr. Donal O'Callaghan, Director, Nevada State Department of Health and Welfare;
Mr. Robert Mullen, Chief of Probation, Clark County Probation Department;
Mrs. Stella Fleming, Director, Clark County Relief Administration; Dr. Martin Levine, Supervisor, Department of Mental Health
Planning, State Department of Health;
Mr. William Morris, Chairman, Nevada Southern Foundation, Attorney;
Dr. Otto Ravenholt, Director, Clark County Health Department;
Mr. Ernest 0. Skagen, District Director, Nevada State Welfare Division;
Mr. Quenten Emery, State Welfare Administrator, Nevada State Welfare Division;
Mrs. Lubertha Johnson, Project Supervisor, "Operation Independence"; Mr. James McQuire, (Guest), Associate Regional Family Services
Representative;
The meeting was opened by the Chairman, Mr. Harvey Dondero, who indicated the first order of business would be consideration of the Board budget and its submission to the Office of Economic Opportunity for approval.
STAFF: Mrs. Elaine Walbroek discussed the responsibilities of the staff and pointed out the importance of securing qualified people capable of fulfilling the purposes of the Board and the intent of the Economic Opportunity Act. The purpose of Title II Boards is to provide coordination of EOA monies and through their use help maximize their effectiveness in relationship to existing monies
available to health, welfare, education, and employment agencies. The Executive Director would stimulate agency interest and participation in planning and in relating their programs to specific target areas. There was a great need for interpretation of the EOA and in stimulating the community to become interested in the Act and its implications to its own problems. The Program-Evaluation Coordinator, as the second professional, would be responsible for helping to screen and summarize projects, distribute them to the Board for their appraisal, to help in evaluation and to do continuing evaluation of the projects after they were funded there as they progressed. These two persons would additionally serve liaison between agencies, their programs, the Board, and the community, effecting a synthesis of programs and their monies for their maximum effectiveness.
BUDGET: The Acting Chairman presented the budget which had originated from the committee composed of Lee Walker, Elaine Walbroek, and Dr. Charles West, for discussion. The line items were considered one by one. Amendments to the budget included: increase in travel to Washington; separate postage account; increase for duplicating equipment; addition of a photocopying machine; increase in utilities. Moved by Mr. O'Callaghan and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the budget was unanimously approved.
BOARD PRINCIPLES: The principles and purposes of the Board were discussed in detail. Moved by Mr. Bauer and seconded by Mrs. Fleming, the principles were adopted unanimously by the Board.
TARGET AREA: The Board discussed areas of program concentration, recognizing that their responsibilities were county-wide; however, on the basis of investigations to date as to the greatest concentration of poverty, unemployment, basic health, welfare, and social needs, it was agreed that initial priority be given to the Westside of Las Vegas and contiguous areas where 40 per cent of the entire State's Aid-to-Dependent Children load was vested.
BOARD MEMBERS: There are 28 members on the Opportunities Board; however, the By-Laws permitted additions to 40 members. The Chairman appointed a committee to explore additional Board appointments for its further strengthening. Dr. Clare Woodbury, Mrs. Stella Fleming, and Mrs. Elaine Walbroek were appointed to the Committee.
BY-LAWS COMMITTEE: The Chairman appointed two attorneys, Lee Walker and William Morris, to develop the By-Laws for submission to the Board.
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CHAIRMAN ELECTED: The election of a permanent chairman was next considered. It was moved by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Dr. Levine that Harvey Dondero be nominated Chairman. It was moved by Mr. Bauer and seconded by Mr. O'Callaghan that nominations be closed. It was unanimously approved.
CONCLUSION: Mr. Morris suggested that the Acting Secretary, Elaine Walbroek, circularize the County Commissioners, the Governor, and the Congressional delegation (Senators Alan Bible, Howard Cannon, and Congressman Walter Baring) with the minutes of the meeting, the budget, and the other actions taken by the Opportunities Board.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Llaine Walbroek
Acting Secretary
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'OPERATION OPPORTUNITIES
CLARK COUNTY"
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES BOARD
P. 0. BOX 760 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
TO: Board Members
Economic Opportunities Board
FROM: Harvey Dondero
Chairman
RE: Meeting Notice
Thursday, December 3, 1964
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 4:00 P.M.
TONOPAH-GOLDFIELD ROOM THUNDERBIRD HOTEL
The following items will be considered on the agenda:
1.
Projects to be submitted under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 will be discussed.
2.
Functions and funding of the Opportunities Board will be discussed in the light of informations received by Mrs. Elaine Walbroek, Acting Secretary, on her Washington, D.C. trip of November 16-18.
3.
A Technical Advisory Committee has been appointed initially to be composed of representatives from interested agencies and organizations. Invitations will be extended to them to attend this meeting.
It is extremely important that you, as a Board Member, be present at this planning meeting.
HD:sl 11/17/64
December 4, 1964 4:00 P.M.
nlNUTiS OF THE MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES BOARD
Thunderbird Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada
PRESENT:
Dr. Clare Woodbury Mr. Earl Brunner Mr. Charles Spann Mr. Ernest Skagen Mr. William Briare Mr. Lyal Burkholder Dr. Juanita White Mr. Edward Young Mayor William Taylor Dr. Otto Ravenholt
BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Harvey Dondero Mr. Lee Burnham Mr. David Hoggard Mr. Robert Bauer Miss Genevieve Arensdorf Mr. Joseph Mankins Dr. Martin Levine Mrs. Elaine Walbroek Mrs. Stella Fleming
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Mr. Baer (Atomic Energy)
Mr. James Peddicord representing Mr. John Bunten
Mr. Ferren Bunker
Mr. W. E. Kearns
Mr. Keith McDonald
Mr. Jack Staggs
GUESTS
Mr. Al Wagner
Mr. Al Vreeland
Mrs. Lubertha Johnson
Mrs. Sylvia Leon
Mrs. Luna Hayes
The Chairman of the Economic Opportunities Board, Mr. Harvey Dondero, opened the meeting by welcoming the group to its third meeting and giving the following brief background on the Economic Opportunities Board:
The Economic Opportunity Act requires that a Community Action Board be set up to receive poverty monies through which applications can be screened. This Board, ’’Operation Opportunities - Clark Count, was formed, incorporated, recognized by the Governor and the Clark County Commissioners this Fall. At the second meeting, a proposal for Board funding was approved for submission to the Office of Economic Opportunity.
2
Mrs. Walbroek reviewed her November trip to Washington, D.C. (which was the second this fall), where she had talked with persons concerned with Opportunity monies. She stated that she had talked with as many agency people as possible about Clark County programs and that the budget for the Opportunities Board has been accepted Informally, pending submission of official forms.
In outlining the purpose of the Opportunities Board, she said it was a necessary agency through which programs available under the Economic Opportunities Act are planned, screened and monies disbursed. She stated that most of the agencies which give human services in the area are on a county basis, not municipal. Thus the Board was created on a county basis for most effective utilization of the program monies.
Programs are designed on a 6-month’s basis because monies are still in the process of being allocated under the separate Titles of the Act which was passed in August. All applications which are submitted now go to July 1. Thereafter all projects are on a fiscal year basis July 1 through June 30*
Three projects to date have been the outgrowth of the planning that has come from what this Board has already indicated as a target area — the Westside of Las Vegas and its contiguous areas. These three projects, developed with the Planning Board of project "Operation Independence", are Neighborhood Youth Corps; Day Care Services Center; and VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America.) She stated that the Neighborhood Youth Corps consists of two programs: In-School to maintain youngsters in school through provision of paid minimum skilled jobs to be developed by the school district, and Out-of-School for the deprived, unskilled, never employed youth with the purpose of giving them a minimum pay job to start the process of economic self-sufficiency. This will be coordinated with the Youth Opportunities Center, coordinated under the Employment Security Department. She stressed the importance of submitting the applications for the NYC now so that there can be possible an early granting. She said that Day Care Services Center should also have an early submission so that it can be promptly reviewed.
The third project is VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) which is the most dramatic program, Mrs. Walbroek stated. It has been coordinated with the NYC Program and the Day Care Services Center and asks for eight volunteers to work with the NYC youngsters, and other "Operation Independence" programs. Volunteers can be in the field by March 1, following a one-to-two month’s training period. In connection with the VISTA application, there would be two consultants from Washington, D.C. visiting Las Vegas December 5« A Letter of Intent had already been submitted requesting volunteers, . and evidently it had been accepted with this area one of VISTA’S first program interests. These people will work with "Operation Independence" staff to see the program now in effect and how it is anticipated the Volunteers will be used. Mrs. Walbroek concluded that the Clark County programs had had very favorable reception in Washington, and had occaioned much Interest.
3
Following the Chairman’s request for questions, Mr. Spann asked if the Board’s approval of a project was final. Mrs. Walbroek stated that It was, subject to the Governor’s veto; that after such approval a project was sent to Washington for action by the office of Economic Opportunity. If favorable action is taken there and if in the thirty days following such approval, the Governor does not veto it, it automatically is awarded the applicant. Mr. McDonald asked about matching funds. Mrs. Walbroek stated for most of the programs under Title II A (Community Action) it was 10^ matching required, in cash or in kind. Title V projects do not require matching funds for example; however, most of the projects the Board has submitted have more than 10^ in kind.
The question arose as to what projects had already been established. Mr. Dondero asked Mrs. Lubertha Johnson, "Operation Independence" Project Supervisor, to discuss this.
Mrs. Johnson stated that two years or so ago Mrs. Walbroek came into the community and talked with people there about community needs. Several plans were talked about that might conceivably bring about economic independence in this area as opposed to the very prevalent dependence. One of the first projects considered for immediate action was the establishment of a Day Care Center. There were many mothers in the community who wanted to go to work but could not because of the Inability to obtain proper supervision of children at a price they could WXK afford. There were many mothers attending vocational training classes who had to drop out because they did not have proper child care.
Other programs were discussed: youth employment, community arts, academic and vocational training needs, community health center. As the result of committee meetings, neighborhood and Advisory Council planning, a request was submitted to the Welfare Administration of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare by the Nevada Tuberculosis and Health Association for "Operation Independence" which the project was now called.
A research and planning grant was awarded March 1, 1963 by the Cooperative Research Grants Branch of the Welfare Administration, a type of grant ordinarily going to graduate schools of sociology at Universities. Mrs. Johnson stated, however, in addition to the research, actual demonstration programs were started. The Day Care Center was opened in a school building outgrown by the School District There are 75 children registered with a modest fee charged or waived as needs determine. It has been supported primarily through the help of the community. She mentioned also the ^000 book library housed in the ^Operation Independence" office, the first branch library In Las Vegas in addition to other programs. The Day Care Center, because of funds, has been limited in the scope of its services; however, it has enabled mothers to take training, and to secure permanent employment.
Mrs. Walbroek gave provisions of the day care proposal which was now ready for submission. They included not only custodial care, but a child enrichment program, supportive counseling provided by staff members, increased Information about access to health and welfare services In the community for the family through Center Service representatives, education and training programs involving the child, the staff, and the parent.
Mr. Charles Spann made the motion that the Day Care Services Center proposal be approved by the Board and submitted under Title II. Dr. Martin Leviiie seconded the motion. It was passed unanimously by the group.
Mrs. Walbroek explained the NYC program, stating it would be within the framework of '‘Operation Independence”. There would be approximately 61 youngsters between 16 and 21 who would be employed in various areas — day care aidgs, library aides, office aides, building aides @ $1 an hour. The mere process of employing is important. It is hoped to make them receptive to training so they may desire to go back to school, go on to training or better employment. Mr. Mankins further explained that these NYC positions cannot be already existing jobs. They are newly-created positions to start the process of economic self-sufficiency.
Mr. Earl Brunner moved that application for the Neighborhood Youth Corps program be presented. Mr. Robert Bauer seconded this motion. It was passed unanimously by the group.
My Lyal Burkholder made a motion to approve the submission of the application for VISTA Volunteers. Mr. David Hoggard seconded; this was passed.
Mr. Bauer reported on the Interest of the State Welfare Division in programming under Title V; however due to staff limitations an expanded program under the Economic Opportunities Act might not be possible in Clark County at this time. This Title administered by the State Welfare Division provides work experience to Aid-to-Dependent families.
In answer to the question of how the grant funds would be disbursed, Mrs. Walbroek said that they would be sent to the applicant, which in all cases is the Economic Opportunities Board. The Board is responsible for disbursing these monies in turn to the participating agencies or sponsors of individual projects, who In turn are accountable to the Board for their proper administration. Exceptions are projects administered through the Department of Labor, the Welfare Department, the Department of Education or Agriculture who receive project monies directly; however, recommendations for granting such funds are given through the Board.
5
The Chairman, Mr. Dondero, said that the next matter for consideration would be staffing of the Economic Opportunities Board. He appointed the following Interviewing and Screening Committee: Mr. William Briare, Chairman; Mr. Charles Spann, Mr. Edward Young. This committee would bring their recommendations to the Board for final approval.
Mr. Dondero concluded the meeting with the statement that the group would be notified of the date of the next meeting by mail.
Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. Elaine Walbroek Acting Secretary
EW:fs

From the Superintendent of Schools

AGENDA
MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES BOARD
1. BACKGROUND TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES BOARD
Harvey Dondero
Elaine Walbroek
2. REVIEW OF WASHINGTON, D.C. TRIP ON ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES ACT
Elaine Walbroek
3. REVIEW OF PROJECTS SUBMITTED TO OPPORTUNITIES BOARD
Day Care Center Lu Johnson
Neighborhood Youth Corps
VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America)
CONSIDERATION OF STAFF FOR OPPORTUNITIES BOARD. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE
Harvey Dondero
5. ADDITIONS TO TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
6. STATE WELFARE WORK TRAINING PROGRAM DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Robert Bauer